Caree Risover charts her retirement through planning to implementation and enjoyment.

INTRODUCTION

There seems to be a scarcity of UK retirement blogs out there (other than those proffering financial advice) and in the absence of my being able to read about other people's experiences, I instead offer you my own "Great Big Retirement Adventure."

My husband (Mister E) and I have moved from the initial concept through the planning stages to implementation and this site is intended to record the whole process. What I am seeking from retirement is now very different to what I thought I was planning and has gradually developed into a quest for fitness and a desire for simplification, with a transition away from both a highly organised lifestyle and the personality traits reflecting a pedantic professional career. Indeed I recently described myself as "a goofy idiot" who enjoys smiling at sunflowers; a far cry from the pre-retirement professional and an indication of just how far I have travelled.

Please visit from time to time and do add your comments. The blog is in reverse chronological order but popular posts and those highlighting our journey are specifically pinpointed below on the right hand side together with a list of topics covered. Alternatively you may prefer to look at the summary or wisdom we have acquired or even our have done list with its retirement atlas and dip in and out of the blog using the links given.

Pages

Thursday, 15 December 2016

Christmas is Coming

It is very easy to lose track of time in retirement. Without young children in the home, colleagues at work or even an Advent Calendar to remind you of the number of days to go until December 25th, there is of course a risk that Christmas Day can creep up almost unawares.

Today however my Christmas run up officially began when our Pilates wind down took place to the accompaniment of Silent Night. This was followed by a gym workout the sole purpose of which was to burn as many calories as possible in order to join fellow gym bunnies for a festive meal. Unfortunately three courses, including turkey with all the trimmings, really meant that I ought properly to have returned for an overnight stint if all damage was to be avoided. With cards still to buy and write, it was not too difficult to formulate a legitimate excuse.Tomorrow is Christmas Jumper Day and then there are 8 days to get those cards posted, presents bought and wrapped, food sourced, house cleaned, decorations put up and family welcomed. Goodness that's a whole week that I never got whilst working; plenty of time!

8 comments:

I often wonder how I got so much done while holding down a full-time job. The answer, I think, is that I operated at top speed all of the time, whether in the classroom or at home. I'm so grateful that I can slow down a little now. Or perhaps I've slowed down too much as the list still seems a little long with just one week left to prepare!

We are not in our own home this Christams season (in between homes at the moment) and are staying with my mom in her tiny apartment. I do miss the familiarity of my own holiday decorations and traditions, and while I'm embracing "living in the moment", I am already looking forward to next Christmas!

I agree, it is hard to beat a traditional Christmas in your own home. When we have gone away in the past (usually because it was an easy time of the year for me to take a two week break) it was been very much with the aim of breaking tradition altogether and spending our time in a country that does not celebrate this time of year. Curiously when we suggested doing something similar this year, we were out-voted by our now adult children.

How comes I still have not got presents wrapped or actually bought them all yet? Everyone says when you retire you'll wonder how you ever managed to fit everything in. It's true! Happy Christmas Caree!

Translate

Angel of the North

Angel of the North by sculptor Sir Antony Gormley is a regional landmark and significant as a focus for evolving hopes and fears. It is an apt inclusion for this blog which explores my own dreams and trepidations.